The list of academic options at Oakland University is constantly growing. OU currently offers more than 120 undergraduate degrees and more than 130 graduate and certificate options. Students have the opportunity to participate in high-level research as early as their freshman year.

From important registration reminders to daily events, stay focused on the finish line while getting the most out of your educational experience. Approximately 275 active student organizations take learning to a new level, while student service offices are here to help you succeed.

Over 100,000 alumni proudly call OU their alma mater. Upon graduation, you will automatically be welcomed as a member of Oakland University's very active Alumni Association. Alumni stay connected through networking, volunteering and mentorship programs.

Nearly half a million people visit campus each year to explore OU's cultural icons, such as the home to OU's founder, our very own National Historic Landmark. Be inspired by guest speakers from around the world, or awed by artwork, student, faculty and guest performances.

Your gift matters! Contributions from alumni and friends create opportunities that prepare Oakland University students to be leaders. Support the OU Fund (the area of greatest need), scholarships, athletics, the library, Meadow Brook Hall, or one of the hundreds of other areas that make Oakland unique.

The Grizzlies' growing Division I athletics program is a member of the Horizon League, one of the NCAA's top performing leagues. Athletes can also be found in dozens of club and intramural sports, or playing recreational games of disc or ball golf on one of OU's courses.

Academic Programs

Oakland University provides an affordable, high-quality education. Within these tabs you'll find information on the more than 130 undergraduate programs in the five schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. For detailed information on all majors, minors, concentrations and certificates, look through the online catalog. You can also print a list of undergraduate programs

Several programs offer some, or even all, of the coursework in Macomb County.

You can also apply for admission into The Honors College, where students complete a core of challenging courses while working toward a departmental major from the College of Arts and Sciences or from one of Oakland's five professional schools.

Find out about the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine's admissions requirements, which are separate from OU's undergraduate admissions, at oakland.edu/medicine.

Arts &Sciences

Oakland University's College of Arts and Sciences offers quite a selection of academic options, plus pre-professional programs to give you a competitive edge in graduate school. Here, you'll also find the foundation for any degree program within the university. You're not just satisfying general education requirements — you're earning skills like critical and creative thinking that you'll need wherever you go.

Actuarial Science

Actuaries are experts in evaluating the likelihood of future events, designing creative ways to reduce the likelihood of undesirable events, and decreasing the impact of undesirable events that do occur. Actuarial Science is a blend of mathematics, economics, statistics and finance. Actuarial science majors prepare students for jobs in actuarial science and will give you the background needed to pursue an advanced degree in economics, mathematics, statistics or business administration. Students will learn analytical and reasoning skills to successfully complete the first two exams in actuarial science offered by the Society of Actuaries.

Art history majors study the visual arts in their historical context in terms of the cultural, economic, philosophical, political, religious, social and technological conditions that determine content and form.

If you have a creative eye and want to develop your artistic talents, a studio art major in drawing, painting, photography or new media can prime you for a career in the visual arts, including a career in K–12 studio art education.

A graphic design major will take courses in design studio and professional practices, materials and processes, art history, and design history and theory. They will gain knowledge and skills in print-specific practices, Web design, motion graphics for film and television, interactive applications, and branding and identity.

The interdepartmental biochemistry degree gives students solid grounding in both chemistry and biology, as well as advanced studies in biochemistry. Graduates are prepared for careers in biotechnical industries and biomedical research centers; for graduate study in biomedical sciences; and for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine and patent law.

With a degree in biology, you will be prepared for graduate study in the life sciences; laboratory work and research in biotechnical and biomedical industries; and professional careers in medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, and other allied health areas. You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching biology at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education, as well as several teaching minors available.

Oakland’s chemistry degree is for students who wish to incorporate a science major into a broader liberal arts program or want a foundation in the chemical sciences as a basis for graduate study in the physical or life sciences; employment in industrial or government laboratories; or professional studies in medicine, patent law or business. You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching chemistry at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education, as well as several teaching minors available.

Cinema studies students investigate how motion pictures are created, experienced and valued in American culture and around the world. Students in cinema studies work closely with OU faculty to gain a thorough understanding of film history, become acquainted with various critical approaches to the study of film, and receive instruction in elements of film production.

Does your adrenaline surge when you have a great idea? Do you get excited when making new connections? Welcome to OU’s communication program, where ideas are encouraged and participation is expected. In our classes, you’ll engage in rigorous study of communication and media theory. You can tailor your major by selecting from a variety of electives ranging from broadcasting and persuasion to communication between genders, families or in organizations.

Creative writing majors will write and revise many poems, short stories, plays, screenplays or television scripts. We all have stories to tell and unique ways of viewing the world; the Oakland University creative writing program provides you with the opportunity to develop your vision. No matter what you do in life, it will help to be able to communicate clearly and succinctly. A focus on writing will provide you with language and editing skills that are easily transferable to any other profession or area of interest.

Criminal justice, often considered together with criminology, is the study of criminal offending, victimization, and processing of offenders by the criminal justice system. Criminal Justice considers a broad range of topics that include: identifying motivations and opportunities for criminal offending, predicting patterns of offending, examining patterns of offending and victimization across different groups in society, evaluating the effectiveness of various crime control policies, and examining the primary components of the the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

The major is an interdisciplinary program offering students a thorough understanding of the criminal law, the social forces related to crime and delinquency, the evaluation of crime control policy, or the operation of courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional institutions.

With a B.A. degree in economics, you will learn the concepts and tools of economic analysis, which can be applied to any industry. The economics program also provides the breadth and flexibility of a broad general education degree. The School of Business also offers Economics and Business Economics degree programs.

With a degree in English, you can apply your skills in writing, research and analysis in a wide variety of professional settings. English majors are well-prepared for advanced study and careers in education, law, library and information science, medical professions, public relations, and publishing. You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching English at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education, as well as several teaching minors available. The department also offers a major in creative writing.

The interdisciplinary environmental science program integrates applied scientific specialties within the broad field of environmental health. Students can specialize in environmental and resource management, occupational safety and health, public health, or toxic substance control. The program will prepare you for a variety of professional opportunities in government and the private sector and for graduate study in such fields as toxic substance management, public health, toxicology, industrial hygiene and environmental planning.

With a degree in history, you receive a versatile, critical education that can be applied to virtually any field or industry. You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching history at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education.

A degree in international relations from OU’s Department of Political Science prepares students for possible careers in government service in the areas of foreign or security policy, international business, or international non-governmental organizations, as well as graduate study in international affairs. Students acquire strong analytical and communication skills which are also relevant to and valuable in traditional business careers. International relations graduates can enter the workforce immediately, though some careers will require graduate study.

With a degree in Latin American, Chinese or Japanese studies, you will be prepared for careers in business and industries with international dimensions, international agencies and foundations, government service, translation, journalism and graduate study. You can also take classes in special topics covering various other areas of the world, as well as take advantage of travel and exchange opportunities.

With a degree in journalism, you will be prepared to work in any field that emphasizes the value of the written and spoken word. Through optional minors in advertising or public relations, you can tailor your education to make yourself more marketable to these industries.

Truly customize your bachelor’s degree with an education in liberal studies. You can target your dream job by pairing areas of study offered throughout the university, giving yourself a unique skill set as well as problem-solving, critical-thinking, teamwork, collaboration, creative development of original ideas, and oral presentation skills.

With a degree in mathematics or applied statistics you will be prepared for future graduate study or careers in areas ranging from banking, computer science, market research and sales to government and insurance. You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching mathematics at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education, as well as several teaching minors available.

With a degree in French, Japanese, German or Spanish language and literature or Latin American language and civilization, you will be prepared for careers involving the study and application of language skills, nationally or internationally. You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching French, German, Japanese or Spanish at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education, as well as several teaching minors available.

With a degree from the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, you will be prepared to work in the specific performance field of your choice, or you can use your training to pursue further graduate education. Oakland offers a Bachelor of Arts or Fine Arts in several degree plans. The department encompasses the fields of dance, music theatre, theatre performance, theatre production, music education K–12, and vocal, piano and instrumental performance. Students must audition for Music, Theatre and Dance majors. See the Music, Theatre or Dance department for more information.

With a versatile degree in philosophy, you will be prepared to work in any field that values critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Oakland’s philosophy program also provides solid training for advanced study in fields such as law, government and public administration, ministry and teaching.

Degrees in physics and medical physics are intended for students who plan to become professional scientists. The programs also prepare students for graduate studies in physical science or research positions in government and industry.You also have the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching physics at the secondary level with the Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), leading to a recommendation for certification to the Michigan Department of Education, as well as several teaching minors available.

With a degree in political science, international relations, or public administration and public policy, you will be prepared for direct entry into careers in public service, in the global economy, or for specialized graduate programs.

Oakland offers programs to put students on track for earning their professional degrees and preparing for graduate study. These are non-degree programs, but pre-medicine students usually major in biology or chemistry with a concentration in pre-medical studies.

Oakland’s degree in psychology prepares students for a wide variety of careers involving the study of the mind, and mental and emotional processes. Psychology graduates can enter the workforce directly after graduation or pursue further education in psychology or other related fields.

While Oakland University does not currently offer a degree option in religious studies, there are several minors and a general concentration exploring various religions. Combining a minor or concentration in religious studies with other specific degrees can enhance your career marketability. For example, combining a minor with a degree in education can make you a great candidate to teach in a parochial school. You will gain skills that help bolster your interpersonal skills, give you a strong ethical framework for life, a stronger and more nuanced sense of self, and a better understanding of our increasingly global and interactive world.

A bachelor of social work prepares you for a career in helping others, and challenges you to become an advocate for positive social change. Graduates have the necessary skills to join the work force as counselors, case managers, advocates and outreach specialists who work with all types of clients, including children, families, the elderly, the mentally ill and the disabled. Employers recognize the specialized knowledge, skills, values and ethics provided in a bachelor of social work program, and trust that our graduates are ready to make an immediate, positive impact in their agencies and communities.

Graduates of an accredited BSW program are eligible for an accelerated plan of study when they choose to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

With a degree in sociology, anthropology, or a combined major in both, you will be prepared for future graduate study or for careers that examine important social problems and study humankind. The department offers concentrations in archaeology, religious studies and criminal justice.

With an interdisciplinary degree in women and gender studies, you will be prepared for careers that examine gender-based positions and experiences in historical and modern societies and help shape future public policy relating to these issues.

The writing and rhetoric major is designed to address the evolving nature of persuasion and written communication in the 21st century, with an emphasis on new media technologies and civic engagement. Tracks in professional writing, writing for new media and writing as a discipline are available, and course options include creative non-fiction, business writing, writing for human resource development and digital storytelling.

Oakland University’s School of Business Administration gives relevant instruction for the student entering the ever-changing global business environment. The SBA integrates classroom learning with real-world business experience and research. This accredited business school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as special programs.

So you want to start your own business but you don't necessarily want a business degree? Check out the Entrepreneurship minor.

Accounting and Finance

With an accounting or finance degree, you will be prepared for careers in public accounting, financial reporting, financial analysis and investment portfolio management for industry, government and other profit or not-for-profit organizations.

For those who seek more flexibility in their degree, a Bachelor of Science degree in business economics is the perfect choice. Graduates apply economic analysis to a variety of problems facing individuals, businesses, the nation and the world. An economics degree also serves as an excellent foundation for graduate education in law, business administration or public administration.

A major or minor in management information systems (MIS), production and operations management, or quantitative methods will help you meet and exceed market demands for information processing and analysis.

See catalog: Management Information Systems (Bachelor of Science)

Career options:

Business process analyst

Database programmer

Inventory analyst

Materials manager

Production scheduler

Project manager

Quality specialist

Systems analyst

General Management

General management majors gain a breadth of knowledge in management, taking courses in accounting, information systems, finance, organizational behavior, marketing, operations management and business policy. If you're considering a more specialized graduate school program, you may want to consider general management for your undergraduate degree.

Human resource managers are concerned with the effective use of human resources in organizations. This field encompasses a broader view of the traditional personnel function to include not only the recruitment, selection, development and evaluation of individuals, but the planning, design and management of various organizational functions. The major in Human Resources Management develops the skills needed to administer the personnel functions of organizations.

Graduates can pursue careers in administration, personnel management, labor relations or wherever the management of people at work is a central concern. Emphasis is placed on developing an intensive understanding of the concepts and techniques needed to acquire, develop and utilize an organization’s human resources. The program includes broad coverage of such topics as personnel psychology, personnel administration and labor/management relations, in addition to providing basic knowledge of organizational behavior.

The major in marketing develops the specific skills, modes of analysis and background to work in the marketing area of a profit-making business or not-for-profit enterprise. Emphasis is placed on developing a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques needed to plan and execute the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods and services by creating exchanges which satisfy individual and organizational goals.

The program includes broad coverage of such topics as marketing management, marketing research, selling and sales management, advertising and communications, sales promotion, business-to-business marketing, not-for-profit marketing, business logistics, retailing, international marketing and Internet marketing.

Operations management is concerned with the management of the production processes and distribution of products and services. The major in operations management provides a strong managerial and technical education to students interested in the field (including manufacturing planning and control, supply-chain management, service management, project management, process management, and quality management).

The major prepares students with the fundamental knowledge they need to work effectively in operations in manufacturing and service sectors, and provides them with advanced knowledge about best practices, current technologies, tools and their application, and leadership skills necessary to operate in a globally diverse and competitive marketplace.

The School of Education and Human Services has a strong commitment to preparing culturally responsive and compassionate leaders who enhance their communities and shape the future of their professions. The school has been recognized for its successful recruiting of diverse faculty and students, and its extraordinarily strong partnerships with school districts and community agencies. Whether bringing the gift of literacy through international programs, demystifying mathematics for underprivileged Michigan elementary students, creating new ways to train and support employees of Fortune 500 companies, or guiding students and adults toward more productive futures, the impact of SEHS graduates is real and enduring.

Elementary Education

With an elementary education degree, you will be prepared for teaching careers in elementary education. The School of Education and Human Services offers an undergraduate program leading to State of Michigan certification in elementary education — with content majors in areas such as art education, language arts, mathematics, modern languages, integrated science, social studies, performing arts, and multicultural and international education.

Along with OU’s College of Arts and Sciences, the school also offers a five-year program leading to state of Michigan certification in secondary education with majors or minors in biology, chemistry, English, French, German, history, integrated science, mathematics, physics, social studies and Spanish, and minors in dance, economics, political science and sociology. Art education, modern languages and music education are offered as K–12 programs.

It's the 21st century. Be prepared to work, live and even conduct research in a specialized field in it. OU's School of Engineering and Computer Science prepares students to make contributions to automotive, green and other emerging industries. You'll receive personal attention and interaction with faculty and enjoy small class sizes.

Have another major in mind but still want some of the same know-how? The SECS offers three minors for students who aren't majoring in computer science, computer engineering or information technology.

Computer Engineering

With a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree in computer engineering from Oakland, you’ll be prepared to work in the fast-changing environment of the field. You will gain a strong background in the fundamentals of computer engineering and develop a willingness to accept and thrive on change.

Along with OU’s College of Arts and Sciences, the school also offers undergraduate programs in engineering biology, engineering chemistry and engineering physics. These interdisciplinary degrees prepare you for traditional engineering and science careers as well as emerging fields.

Industrial and Systems Engineers figure out how to do things better by leading teams that design and improve products, processes and systems. It's why they are in demand from companies in industries such as automotive, energy, healthcare, defense, advanced manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, consulting and service.

With a degree in information technology, you will be prepared with sufficient technical strength and a comprehensive understanding of information technology practices in real-world contexts to act as a problem solver in business and industry settings.

The School of Health Sciences helps transform students into leaders — leaders who impact the health needs of their communities in diverse wellness and health-related practices. You'll receive a science-based health education that includes high-quality academic preparation, interdisciplinary teaching and excellence in instruction in the classroom and clinical laboratory

Applied Health Sciences

A bachelor’s degree in applied health sciences is specifically for students who have an Associate of Applied Science degree from Macomb Community College in one of the following areas: physical therapist assistant, surgical technology, respiratory therapy, health information technology, medical assistant or occupational therapy assistant. At Oakland, student can earn a bachelor’s degree with a track in either clinical leadership or health promotion.

With a degree in biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic sciences, you will be prepared for careers in hospital or commercial clinical laboratories, research laboratories or public health facilities, as well as positions within biomedical corporations, such as research and development, quality assurance, and sales or service.

Health sciences students choose one of five academic focus areas — exercise science, integrative holistic medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy or pre-health professional studies. Students completing the exercise science program are prepared to apply for admission to the Master of Science in exercise science program. Likewise, pre-physical therapy prepares students for the traditional application requirements for OU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

A degree in occupational safety and health will help you protect America’s workers and the general public from injury and illness. These professionals strive to identify, evaluate and eliminate or control hazards that expose people, property or the environment to danger or harm.

In Oakland University's School of Nursing, you'll obtain theoretical and practical experience in assessment, clinical decision-making and case management along with the necessary communication skills to create, provide and manage the highest quality health care for patients.

Nursing

This course of study combines general education in the humanities and sciences with the theory and practice of nursing. Students work toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

If you hold an associate degree or diploma as a registered nurse (RN), this program will help you advance your health care career. For your convenience, all required courses are offered online, with no travel requirements. Recognizing your prior experience as an RN, the program requires only one clinical course. Associate degree graduates may transfer a maximum of 63 community college credits.

A degree in integrative studies is ideal for transfer students, nontraditional students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree for personal or professional growth, and students who have a very specific goal in mind like a specific graduate degree program. As an integrative studies student, you work closely with an adviser to custom-design your plan of study based on these goals and take courses in various departments across the university.

Not ready to decide on a major? You'll get specialized attention and support from OU's First Year Advising Center (FYAC), which is staffed with professional academic advisers and career counselors. These experts will work closely with you as you select general education courses and explore different majors and career options. The FYAC will guide you through the entire process.